If it’s not Australians winning races at the Serpentine, then it’s Australian based Serpies winning in Australia. That is what happened when Victoria Ross, Sydney's most famous British open water swimmer, won the coveted Tim Tam Trophy over 100 metres at the Newcastle Baths, 200 kms north of Sydney, on Saturday.
Qualification for entry was the same as for any Serpentine race; swimmers had to be a bit tired and emotional from the night before, possess a membership of Serps, and accept a fiendishly complex handicapping system.
After our ‘on the boards’ call at the seaside baths, Victoria Ross set off with a pace which defied her zero seconds handicap. Second was Mike Barron, who definitely looked tired and emotional following the previous night’s visit to one of Newcastle’s finest hostelries.
The rest of the placings were academic, with Mr Fabik also swimming on the day of his wedding to Kristy, while Mrs Fabik watched on as her darling (son) swam well. Also watching was Mrs Fabik (proposed and subsequently accepted).
All in all, it was a good hair day, especially for those with hair.
Presentation of the Tim Tam trophy and consumption of same was celebrated by all.
Angela Johnson
Mark Faure-Walker
John Tierney
Mark Fabik
Deirdre Ward
Nick Adams
Victoria Thorpe
Victoria Ross
Mike Barron
[John Tierney]
